Going home for the Chinese New Year with a year-end bonus of 100 million

Yang Fan could sense that Lin Qingyue wasn't just after the school's political achievements; she genuinely cared about the students.

"Principal Lin," he began, "why did you become principal? With your abilities and... background, you should have had many more options, right?"

This is a somewhat personal question, but Lin Qingyue doesn't mind.

She smiled, her gaze somewhat distant:

"Both my parents were teachers, and I grew up in a school. Maybe... I have a special connection to education."

"After graduating with my doctorate, I was offered a high salary by a company, but I chose to stay at the university."

"From lecturer to professor, and then to principal... along the way, it can be tiring at times, but seeing the students grow makes it all worthwhile."

She looked at Yang Fan: "And you? Why did you get into investing? And... specifically investing in young people?"

Yang Fan thought about it and figured that he was the one who gave himself the identity when he was away from home.

"I don't have any lofty reasons."

"I just feel that money sitting there is dead, but investing it in young people with dreams can create more value."

"And..." he smiled, "seeing how excited they were when they got the investment made me quite happy too."

Lin Qingyue's eyes curved into a smile:

"What you say is absolutely true."

The two looked at each other and smiled.

The atmosphere gradually became much more relaxed.

……

After another half hour of conversation, the general framework for the collaboration was finalized.

Lin Qingyue checked the time: "Mr. Yang, it's already 4:30. Do you have any plans for the day?"

"No," Yang Fan said. "That's all for today."

"Well..." Lin Qingyue hesitated for a moment, "If you don't mind, we can have dinner together? We can talk about the details then."

This invitation came as a surprise.

But Yang Fan didn't refuse: "Sure. Does Principal Lin have any recommendations?"

Lin Qingyue thought for a moment: "I know a private restaurant that's quite good and has a quiet atmosphere. It's nearby, a five-minute walk."

"OK."

The two got up and left the teahouse.

In the late April afternoon, the sunlight was warm but not glaring. The plane trees lining both sides of the street had already sprouted new leaves, lush and green.

Walking side by side on the sidewalk, Lin Qingyue's high heels clicked out a crisp rhythm.

"What does Mr. Yang usually like to do?" she asked casually.

"Running a shop, looking at projects, and occasionally playing games," Yang Fan said. "It's pretty monotonous."

"And what about your girlfriend?" Lin Qingyue asked, then immediately added:

"I mean, with you being so busy, doesn't your girlfriend have any complaints?"

That's a clever question.

Yang Fan glanced at her and smiled:

"I'm currently single, so no one has any objections."

Lin Qingyue smiled slightly: "Oh? Someone as outstanding as you, how come you're single?"

"I've been busy," Yang Fan said. "And... I haven't met anyone suitable."

"So what kind do you like?" Lin Qingyue asked naturally, as if it were just casual conversation.

Yang Fan thought for a moment: "We can get along well. We have our own ideas, we can understand what I'm doing, and we don't need to be together every day."

Lin Qingyue nodded without saying anything.

After taking a few steps, Yang Fan asked in return:

"What about Principal Lin? With your qualifications, you must have quite a few suitors, right?"

Lin Qingyue laughed: "Not at all. Sometimes, the identity of principal is more of a burden."

"Many people think I'm too assertive, or... distant."

"That's because they have no vision," Yang Fan said.

Lin Qingyue was slightly taken aback and turned her head to look at him.

Yang Fan said frankly, "Capable and thoughtful women should be appreciated, not treated as a burden."

That was said very sincerely.

Lin Qingyue's heart skipped a beat.

She's met too many men—some treat her like a goddess, others feel pressured by her strength.

There aren't many people like Yang Fan who treat her as an equal and appreciate her abilities.

"Thank you," she said softly.

The two continued walking, and the atmosphere subtly changed.

The five-minute walk was over quickly.

The private restaurant Lin Qingyue mentioned was located in a small alley. The storefront was small, but the interior was elegantly decorated.

The boss clearly recognized Lin Qingyue and greeted her warmly.

"Principal Lin, it's been a long time. Did you bring a friend today?"

"Yes." Lin Qingyue smiled. "Let's keep the usual spot."

"Okay, this way please."

The owner led them to a small private room on the second floor by the window, where a small river flowed out, offering a pleasant view.

After ordering, the owner left, leaving only the two people in the private room.

Lin Qingyue took out her phone: "Mr. Yang, let's add each other on WeChat. It'll be easier to contact each other in the future."

Yang Fan raised an eyebrow: "Wasn't that a private WeChat account you added before?"

"That's a work number," Lin Qingyue said with a smile.

"I'm the kind of person who keeps things quite separate. I try to keep work and life separate as much as possible."

Yang Fan understood and took out his phone to scan her QR code.

A new friend request has been received – the profile picture is a cat, the nickname is "Qingyue", and there is no job title suffix.

After the approval, Lin Qingyue sent a message:

【Qingyue】: This is my personal account.

[Yang Fan]: Received.

Lin Qingyue looked at her phone and suddenly smiled:

"Yang Fan, may I call you by your name? It feels too formal to keep calling you Mr. Yang."

"Of course," Yang Fan said. "You can just call me by my name."

"Then you don't need to use the formal 'you' anymore," Lin Qingyue said. "Just call me Qingyue. Of course, in school settings, we should be more formal."

"Okay, Qingyue."

The way Yang Fan pronounced the name had a special feel to it.

Lin Qingyue's ears felt slightly warm, and she picked up her teacup and took a sip.

The dishes were served quickly.

Four dishes and a soup, all home-style dishes, but prepared with exquisite care.

During the meal, the two talked a lot—about education, entrepreneurship, and the dilemmas and opportunities faced by young people.

Lin Qingyue discovered that although Yang Fan was young, he had a deep understanding of issues. Moreover, he was willing to listen and did not act superior just because he was rich.

Yang Fan also discovered that Lin Qingyue was not just a beautiful principal.

She is passionate about education, cares deeply for her students, and is clear-headed and methodical in her work.

The meal took almost two hours.

By the time it was over, it was already dark.

Stepping out of the restaurant, a warm evening breeze blew by, carrying the warmth of early summer.

"I had a very pleasant chat today," Lin Qingyue said. "Yang Fan, thank you for being willing to do this."

"I should be thanking you," Yang Fan said. "Without your help, I wouldn't have found such a good cooperation model."

The two stood at the alley entrance, their shadows stretched long by the streetlights.

"So... shall we proceed as we've discussed?" Lin Qingyue asked.

"Okay." Yang Fan nodded. "You can refine the proposal on your end. Let me know if you need my cooperation anytime. I've prepared the funds; they're available as soon as possible."

"Okay." Lin Qingyue hesitated for a moment, "Then... I'll go back to school first?"

"I'll give you a ride," Yang Fan said. "It's not convenient to get a taxi at this hour."

"No need, no need," Lin Qingyue waved her hand. "I drove here. But you…"

"I can walk back, it's not far."

The two stood there for a few more seconds.

Finally, Lin Qingyue extended her hand: "Then... it's a pleasure to cooperate with you."

Yang Fan grasped her hand: "It's a pleasure working with you."

This handshake felt different from the first one.

Lin Qingyue's hands were very soft, and Yang Fan held them for quite a while.

When she loosened her grip, Lin Qingyue's cheeks flushed slightly.

"Well... I'm leaving," she said.

"Okay, be careful on the road."

Lin Qingyue turned and walked towards the parking lot. After taking a few steps, she turned back again.

"Yang Fan".

"Um?"

"Next time... if it's just a meal, let's not talk about work," she said with a smile. "Let's just treat it as a get-together with friends."

Yang Fan smiled and said, "Okay."